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BH: 82 was very disappointting for sure. Overall, I think we should have won four or five games that year, but we just could not get over the line. People handed in memberships mid year following a loss to Perth in a game we could have won.

Looking back on it, BH, we were far too optimistic going into the start of the 1982 season. We had lost the following:

Jeff Murray
Peter Munro
Gary Buckenara
Graeme Schultz
Alex Hamilton

Vic Melville played just one game
Ray Reeves three
Mitch Fussell none
David Meirs got himself reportted
Bill Valli was less influential -- great in 81
Peter Thomas was similar

in addition to that Ken Armstrong kicked out Frank Bucknall and Gordon Polsen both of whom had been servicable players in 1981 each playing about six games. He also bootted out our major recruit, Peter Bennett

All of the above meant that we lost an entire midfield plus every key position player from full back to full forward. The loss of Buckenara and Munro alone, accordding to Ric's site cost 70 goals which they kicked between them in 1981. We had some good young players, but Keene was in his first full year as was Dwayne Lamb, and even Clinton Brown, was only playing his second full season.

Having said all that, I would have given Armstrong one more year, as he had done a lot of work at Subi most of it for the better.

Ken Armstrong was a master of blending in young players to senior groups - a fine tactician and disciplinarian

Perth were near invincible during his zenith , particularly at Lathlain

Southerner: I agree with you. I never understood why they sacked Armstrong, especially when you consider that they replaced him with Peter Daniel, whom had not coached in Western Australia.

Well yes mate - considering they then hired Bunton and later Gary Armstrong , funny things in footy

Hang on did Gary Armstrong coach Subiaco ???? might be out there

The Top 3 in the Sandover of 81 was a pretty special trio Stephen Michael. Jim Krakouer & Phil Narkle.